Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is one of the most common female hormonal disorders. Characterised by multiple abnormal cysts in the ovaries, PCOS affects an estimated 5 – 10% of all women, and can cause infertility.
Symptoms of PCOS can vary widely from woman to woman, but may include:
Insulin resistance: this is the root cause of PCOS.
Insulin resistance is when the cells in the body stop responding to the hormone insulin, which controls the amount of sugar in the blood stream. Insulin allows glucose to enter the body’s cells. If this process is inefficient, glucose remains in the blood stream, causing elevated blood sugar. Excess blood sugar is then sent to the liver, where it converts to fat and is stored throughout the body.
As well as contributing to fat storage, insulin resistance encourages the production of excessive amounts of the male hormone testosterone, which plays a role in many PCOS symptoms.
Insulin resistance can be tested for using a fasting blood test. Once identified, insulin imbalances can be treated and managed with diet and supplements.
Imbalanced hormones: as well as insulin resistance, PCOS sufferers often have an excess of the male hormone testosterone and imbalances in the female sex hormones.
A Female Hormone Panel will help to identify the condition and pinpoint precise imbalances in hormone levels. Smart Nutrition can also put together a protocol to address the underlying imbalances and help you manage your condition.
Being overweight: weight gain is not only a symptom of PCOS but can also contribute to the condition.
Fat cells release hormones and messages into the body which can perpetuate insulin resistance. Maintaining a healthy body weight, although difficult for PCOS sufferers, can be a key way of helping to manage the condition.
US Custom changes Aug 29 2025
Every US shipment, regardless of value or content, must now undergo full entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Our lab partners are working hard to reduce the impact of these new customs procedures on returning US bound test samples.
Unfortunately this change may impact your test results turnaround time
Transit times may be longer due to increased customs processing.
Samples may be delayed or held while clearance is completed.
If you have already sent back your sample and it is directly affected by these customs delays, our team will contact you individually to advise on the next steps.
We know how vital timely testing is for you and we greatly value your understanding while these changes take effect.
We expect the situation to improve as customs processes adjust, and we will provide updates as this develops.
Please do not return samples to the laboratories that may arrive after Wednesday 27th March and up to and including Monday 2nd April.
The laboratories are closed from the 28th March – 2nd April for the Easter Holiday.
